If you've been reading this blog for the whole time I've been writing, you know that I have clinical depression. If you haven't read for the past 4 years, then now you know that I have clinical depression. I have the difficult to treat kind of depression. In the winter it become more difficult to do more than the basics required of me partly because of my depression. If you didn't know me, you wouldn't notice. But if you do know me, and you depend on me for something, you would notice easily. And because I have a difficult to treat type of depression I have had to take an add-on medication. It's a medication in addition to the normal antidepressant that people usually take. It is a wonderful medication that has made my life easier. In fact, the first time I took this medication, I wondered aloud to everyone, if this is how normal people feel every day, then I have missed out on some amazing things in life.
The reason I'm telling you all of this is because I have a story to tell. My story would not make sense if you didn't know that I struggle with depression and that I need medication to make life better. I took this medication after Julianna was born to help ease my postpartum depression. It is a very strong, and very expensive drug. However, when I took it with Julianna we'd already met our deductible for the year, so we never knew just how expensive this drug could have been out of pocket. This winter has been difficult. My doctor suggested I try this medication again. I agreed and was very happy with it until I went to fill the prescription for the first time this year. It turns out that this medication from Walgreen's would have been $549.00. Yes, you read that correctly. Five-hundred and forty-nine dollars. So, after much thought and reflection, I called my doctor to ask for a less expensive option. Basically, I found that there wasn't one. And the pharmacy at my doctor's office was selling the med for over $600.
Thankfully, my doctor's nurse referred me to a local pharmacy in Hutchinson, called Hutchinson Drug Store and told me to speak with Aaron. Interestingly, I know Aaron and have been working out with him at the Y for over a year. I had once talked to him about moving my prescriptions to his pharmacy, but had never taken the time to do so; I wasn't sure how, and life was easier to just keep it the same. The nurse told me that Aaron generally was the most reasonably priced in Hutchinson. He suggested I call and find out if I could get my medication for less at his drugstore.
I called over there and spoke with a pharmacy technician. I did not give my name, only my dilemma. I was put on hold for about 45 seconds before Aaron came on the line to share that he knew of a coupon online that could get me this medication for free this month, and a discount card that could give me a discount on the medication for the rest of the year. He told me to come on down to his office and he would help me get it figured out.
I made it to his office about 30 minutes before he was to close for the night. He spent nearly an hour helping me get my prescription transferred to his pharmacy, get it filed correctly, and get my insurance figured out. He made many phone calls, gave me his office phone for me to talk to the right people and worked past his closing time to make it happen. Aaron not only filled my prescription, he went above and beyond to help me to afford the medication I was needing.
I can't ever thank him enough for doing this for me. I wish there was something more I could do than write a blog post to share my story. I will be telling anyone who will listen about this. I hope to support his small business and give him some free advertisement. It's the least I can do to repay him for all of his hard work. This kindness will not be forgotten.
And with that, I wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day.
Showing posts with label opinion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label opinion. Show all posts
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
The lame ophthalmology update
My appointment with the specialist was cancelled for the third time today.
I did talk to my regular eye doctor. He said based on my history with strabismus (lazy eye), and the fact that I had Lasik eye surgery two years ago, that this neuro ophthalmologist is the best doctor for me to see. This recommendation actually made me feel a little better. His assessment means that he thinks that the trouble has to do with my eye history and not the development of a new disorder. I feel better about the possibility of eye trouble than brain trouble.
It's with this attitude and recommendation that I will wait another week to see the same doctor that has cancelled three times. I am going to let the kind part of my heart assume that she is in fact very sick, and really can't help the situation that she has put me in. However, if it turns out she's just a pansy, I might have to punch her in the face. I probably won't punch her, but I might give her the mean stare down.
I did talk to my regular eye doctor. He said based on my history with strabismus (lazy eye), and the fact that I had Lasik eye surgery two years ago, that this neuro ophthalmologist is the best doctor for me to see. This recommendation actually made me feel a little better. His assessment means that he thinks that the trouble has to do with my eye history and not the development of a new disorder. I feel better about the possibility of eye trouble than brain trouble.
It's with this attitude and recommendation that I will wait another week to see the same doctor that has cancelled three times. I am going to let the kind part of my heart assume that she is in fact very sick, and really can't help the situation that she has put me in. However, if it turns out she's just a pansy, I might have to punch her in the face. I probably won't punch her, but I might give her the mean stare down.
Monday, October 15, 2012
voting 'yes' doesn't mean you have to wear rainbows and dance in a gay bar...
I wonder if anyone even reads this little blog anymore.....I'm sorry. Our computer hasn't been working the way that it should for a couple of months now. There are times that I sit down to blog and it doesn't work out because our computer won't cooperate.
I have been wanting to blog- really I have! Like yesterday, Drew was telling me about how much fun he had spending the night at Mimi and Papa's house over the weekend. He said: It was too much fun! Like a jug of fun! I asked him to repeat it, and he did indeed say jug. So I asked what he meant by that. He said that, well, he decided that a jug of fun is a whole lot of fun because, you know, milk comes in a big jug, so if you have a lot of fun it can also be called a "jug of fun." So yes, my children have given me material. I promise our computer will be fixed soon...as you know, my husband has a computer science degree...he does know about this stuff. But his life in consumed with asphalt until mid-November. I'm hoping that our computer will be on the mend by Thanksgiving.
I am compelled to blog tonight for a very important reason. I am chancing our computer crashing to get this post out into the blogosphere. Time is running out to get the message out about this. There is a question on our local ballot regarding extending protections for gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals in our community. What the movement is asking for is really very simple. They are asking to be afforded the right to file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission if they are discriminated against with housing or employment. That is all, really. After I explained this to Lily and Drew, Lily asked, "But Mom, why would someone say no to being fair?" Good question, Lily.
I am writing about this because I think there is a huge misunderstanding happening in my community. Well, I really hope that it's just a misunderstanding- fueled by a few hateful people. I really hope that it's not people actually thinking that another human being should not be afforded the same simple, personal right to have a job and safe housing. Surely there isn't anyone against making sure that their neighbors may feel safe in their community. Surely...
Please, if you live in Hutchinson, please inform yourself about the local issues. Please do not let hate groups educate you on an issue. Please know that if you are concerned about your religious liberties being infringed upon by allowing protections for all individuals, your religious liberties are safe. Not only is religious beliefs already listed as a protected class in this community, but this ordinance EXEMPTS churches and other religious organizations.
Please consider voting yes. We are a small community and I hope that we prove ourselves to be an inclusive community with this vote. This is not a vote on how you feel about homosexuals. This is not a vote to determine the fate of gay marriage or accepting an invitation to a gay pride parade. The people supporting this ordinance are simply asking for a fair and level playing field in this community. By voting yes you will be extending a basic kindness to your neighbor. All of your neighbors without exception.
Friday, September 7, 2012
where the cool go to school
Dear Parents of Elementary Schoolers,
Yesterday Drew dressed in a typical fancy outfit. He wore suit pants, a polo, and a suit vest. He loves to wear fancy suit clothes, and especially vests. I felt a little apprehensive about it, as he is very sensitive to what people say about him. It turns out, by allowing this expression, I sent him to the wolves. He won't tell me who said it or even what they said. I only know that for picture day today he changed his mind from the polo/vest combo to something seemingly trendy. He looked adorable. But it made me sad that some twit made him feel uneasy about dressing is his favorite outfit.
I'm mad at the kid. But I'm more mad at you. I want to know at what point it became important to make your kid the "cool" kid in kindergarten. When did your self confidence become so low that you felt it was necessary to groom your kid for cool? I thought kindergarten was a time for fun and learning and making friends. I was under the impression that middle school was when we started to worry about fitting in.
Kids do not bully naturally. It is a learned behavior. My kids are not learning to bully in my home. We do not make fun of each other. We find other ways to laugh. We teach acceptance and allow our kids to be anyone they choose to be. My kids are told they can try whatever interests them. They can grow up to be anything they want. Kids learn to love themselves by watching us love them and from watching us love ourselves and our neighbor.
Fellow parents, you need to take your ego down a notch. The goal in life is not to be the cool grown up. As you raise your kids you need to remember that confidence born from other people's opinion is false. Why don't we, for the rest of elementary school, allow our kids to be kids. Let's let them decide what to wear, what games to play and what friends to choose. They have their whole lives to decide who they are. Let's not confuse them early by forcing them to do what you have deemed the cool thing to do.
Sincerely,
A fellow parent...who will kick your ass if you don't teach your kids some manners soon
Yesterday Drew dressed in a typical fancy outfit. He wore suit pants, a polo, and a suit vest. He loves to wear fancy suit clothes, and especially vests. I felt a little apprehensive about it, as he is very sensitive to what people say about him. It turns out, by allowing this expression, I sent him to the wolves. He won't tell me who said it or even what they said. I only know that for picture day today he changed his mind from the polo/vest combo to something seemingly trendy. He looked adorable. But it made me sad that some twit made him feel uneasy about dressing is his favorite outfit.
I'm mad at the kid. But I'm more mad at you. I want to know at what point it became important to make your kid the "cool" kid in kindergarten. When did your self confidence become so low that you felt it was necessary to groom your kid for cool? I thought kindergarten was a time for fun and learning and making friends. I was under the impression that middle school was when we started to worry about fitting in.
Kids do not bully naturally. It is a learned behavior. My kids are not learning to bully in my home. We do not make fun of each other. We find other ways to laugh. We teach acceptance and allow our kids to be anyone they choose to be. My kids are told they can try whatever interests them. They can grow up to be anything they want. Kids learn to love themselves by watching us love them and from watching us love ourselves and our neighbor.
Fellow parents, you need to take your ego down a notch. The goal in life is not to be the cool grown up. As you raise your kids you need to remember that confidence born from other people's opinion is false. Why don't we, for the rest of elementary school, allow our kids to be kids. Let's let them decide what to wear, what games to play and what friends to choose. They have their whole lives to decide who they are. Let's not confuse them early by forcing them to do what you have deemed the cool thing to do.
Sincerely,
A fellow parent...who will kick your ass if you don't teach your kids some manners soon
Friday, February 10, 2012
just because...
Just because your insurance might cover birth control doesn't mean you have to use it.
Just because same sex couples want to marry doesn't mean you have be a part of a same sex marriage.
Just because someone has freedom to practice their religion doesn't mean you have to practice the same religion.
I feel like some of my fellow Americans are missing the point. Everyone seems to be busy trying to convince people that what they say, do, or believe, is correct. It seems like my fellow Americans are spending so much time proving their point that they are missing the point completely. America was founded on the idea that people (meaning everyone) were allowed the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Now, I realize that everyone has a different path in life. I also realize that people pursue happiness in many different ways. My point is, if your path to happiness isn't hurting any one, than you may do as you please. You may seek your truth however you see fit, as long as you allow me to seek my own truth, as well. Whatever my family looks like, whatever we believe, or what we do in our spare time, has nothing to do with you...unless we invite you.
So, here's the deal. You do what you do, I'll do what I do. And when we meet on the street we will be polite and kind. We will both allow each other the space to live in our own truth and we will spend no time arguing over whose truth is correct.
Just because same sex couples want to marry doesn't mean you have be a part of a same sex marriage.
Just because someone has freedom to practice their religion doesn't mean you have to practice the same religion.
I feel like some of my fellow Americans are missing the point. Everyone seems to be busy trying to convince people that what they say, do, or believe, is correct. It seems like my fellow Americans are spending so much time proving their point that they are missing the point completely. America was founded on the idea that people (meaning everyone) were allowed the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Now, I realize that everyone has a different path in life. I also realize that people pursue happiness in many different ways. My point is, if your path to happiness isn't hurting any one, than you may do as you please. You may seek your truth however you see fit, as long as you allow me to seek my own truth, as well. Whatever my family looks like, whatever we believe, or what we do in our spare time, has nothing to do with you...unless we invite you.
So, here's the deal. You do what you do, I'll do what I do. And when we meet on the street we will be polite and kind. We will both allow each other the space to live in our own truth and we will spend no time arguing over whose truth is correct.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Just a note. . .
I feel like since I'm turning 30 the day after tomorrow, I should be posting some sort of reflective post, all about getting older and looking back on my life up until this point. The only thing that keeps running through my mind is what I'd like to say to my younger self at certain points in my life. So, I've written a few notes to my younger self and here they are:
July, 1996-- I am about to turn 16 and just started dating my first real boyfriend. If I could just write a quick note to 16 year old Taylor it would go like this:
Dearest Taylor,
You will not marry this boy. He's nice, he's fun and he will teach you many things. However, there is no need to take this relationship too seriously. You should instead take your homework more seriously and go to swim practice. Also, be nice to your parents. They may be a bit strict, but they will be there when you screw up 1000 times in your very near future.
Love,
Taylor in 2010
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May, 2001 Age: 20 The note to my lost little 20 year old self would go something like this:
Taylor,
There is no need to transfer to K-State. You will be no happier there than you are at ESU. You will not marry this boy. He's nice, he's fun and he will teach you many things. However, there is no need to take this relationship too seriously. If you go to KSU you will lose this boyfriend, your best friend from high school AND it will cost you tons of money. STAY AT EMPORIA. Major in Rehabilitation Studies, you will meet a professor of Rehab. that will change the course of your life. It would be good to meet him now, rather than later. Also, you've eaten too much cafeteria food. Go swim some laps!
Love,
Me
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May, 2004 Age: 23 At this point, I'm living in Kansas City and just starting my first real job after college.
Dear Taylor,
You don't know it right now, but you're pregnant. You should not marry this boy. He seems nice, he seems fun and he will teach you many things. However, there is no need to marry him. You will find out days after you marry this guy that you are expecting a baby. This guy is not nice, not fun and he will teach you many horrible lessons. It's okay that you're pregnant, but it will be much easier for everyone if you don't marry him. Remember how I told you to be nice to your parents? Well, they are about to save your life. It's time to be really nice to them.
Love,
Taylor
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May, 2005 Age: 24 At this point I am a single mom, living with my parents and starting a new job. Also, I have been talking to Tom on the phone every day for several months at this point. However, I've been keeping my feelings for him to myself.
Dear Taylor,
You will marry this guy. He is nice, he is fun and he will teach you many things. Marrying him will the best decision you will ever make. Be confident, you are not wrong about this one. Your life will soon be taking a turn for the way better. Be patient, be kind and don't screw it up. Also, you kick ass at the mommy gig! Loosen up though, everything and everyone are going to turn out just fine.
Love,
Me
July, 1996-- I am about to turn 16 and just started dating my first real boyfriend. If I could just write a quick note to 16 year old Taylor it would go like this:
Dearest Taylor,
You will not marry this boy. He's nice, he's fun and he will teach you many things. However, there is no need to take this relationship too seriously. You should instead take your homework more seriously and go to swim practice. Also, be nice to your parents. They may be a bit strict, but they will be there when you screw up 1000 times in your very near future.
Love,
Taylor in 2010
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May, 2001 Age: 20 The note to my lost little 20 year old self would go something like this:
Taylor,
There is no need to transfer to K-State. You will be no happier there than you are at ESU. You will not marry this boy. He's nice, he's fun and he will teach you many things. However, there is no need to take this relationship too seriously. If you go to KSU you will lose this boyfriend, your best friend from high school AND it will cost you tons of money. STAY AT EMPORIA. Major in Rehabilitation Studies, you will meet a professor of Rehab. that will change the course of your life. It would be good to meet him now, rather than later. Also, you've eaten too much cafeteria food. Go swim some laps!
Love,
Me
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May, 2004 Age: 23 At this point, I'm living in Kansas City and just starting my first real job after college.
Dear Taylor,
You don't know it right now, but you're pregnant. You should not marry this boy. He seems nice, he seems fun and he will teach you many things. However, there is no need to marry him. You will find out days after you marry this guy that you are expecting a baby. This guy is not nice, not fun and he will teach you many horrible lessons. It's okay that you're pregnant, but it will be much easier for everyone if you don't marry him. Remember how I told you to be nice to your parents? Well, they are about to save your life. It's time to be really nice to them.
Love,
Taylor
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May, 2005 Age: 24 At this point I am a single mom, living with my parents and starting a new job. Also, I have been talking to Tom on the phone every day for several months at this point. However, I've been keeping my feelings for him to myself.
Dear Taylor,
You will marry this guy. He is nice, he is fun and he will teach you many things. Marrying him will the best decision you will ever make. Be confident, you are not wrong about this one. Your life will soon be taking a turn for the way better. Be patient, be kind and don't screw it up. Also, you kick ass at the mommy gig! Loosen up though, everything and everyone are going to turn out just fine.
Love,
Me
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
